Articles by Ari Ariel

When I’m craving soup, I want soup as meal — a hot bowl of broth, meat falling off the bones and a scoop of rice or a chunk of bread. Classic American chicken soup fits the bill, but sometimes seems a little boring. Here is my recipe for chicken soup with an extra kick of flavor, making for the perfect fall or winter meal. […]

Food and identity are inextricably linked. This is both cliché and absolutely true. It is not surprising then that people get angry when others appropriate the foods that they identify with culturally. If you don’t believe me take a look at the Kitchen Sister’s wonderful series Hidden Kitchen: War & Peace & Food. But what exactly is appropriation? Is using an ingredient from outside your own culture an act of respect or aggression? Put simply, is it okay for me to use Szechuan bean paste when I make dinner? (I’m not Chinese.) What if I use it in an inauthentic way? (I’m quite fond of putting it in tomato sauce.) Would it be okay for me to open a Szechuan restaurant? Where is the line between culinary borrowing and theft? […]

Spring is finally here! That means it’s time for the farmers market. Rhubarb is one of the first crops up, and I’m always looking for new ways to use it. Pies and jams are great, of course, but sometimes you need something a bit more adult. Why not a cocktail? Rhubarb and gin are a wonderful combination. Both are subtly floral and highly fragrant — they just need another ingredient or two to make them pop. It’s the same reason that rhubarb pie is boring, but rhubarb and strawberry is brilliant. As I was brainstorming this, my friend Andy suggested adding basil, and a springtime cocktail was born. […]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Your Valentine’s Day dinner should be easy and indulgent. This one-pot recipe is both. Port wine and hint of cardamom and cinnamon makes this simple braise feel luxurious. It will take about 3 hours to cook, but you can (and should) do it a day or two in advance. The dish gets even better as […]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Millions of Muslims, Christians and Jews will be observing holidays this month. Mawlid an-Nabi, the holiday commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, is on Dec. 11, and Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins on the 24th, which is also Christmas Eve. Whatever you’ll be celebrating, make your food a bit tastier this December with some […]